Earlier in the day, British number three Naomi Broady was also knocked out, losing 6-3 2-6 6-3 to France's Alize Lim.

Murray, wrapped up in a hoody and coat, placed himself in the top corner of a near-empty stand on Court 8, where he could cheer on Evans while also cajoling Ward, who was fighting a losing battle next door on Court 11.

It was past 10pm by the time both matches had finished and Evans appreciated the support from the world number three, who was joined by Davis Cup captain Leon Smith.

"I did notice, it was nice of him, it's late and it's a good effort, I will thank him for that," Evans said.

Ward was unable to join his compatriot in the final round after seeing his serve broken three times in a match lasting an hour and 26 minutes.

Broady also struggled to cope with the blustery conditions, serving 10 double faults against Lim, as she was beaten in round one. It means Johanna Konta and Heather Watson will fly the flag in the women's draw today.

Two matches on the same day proved too much for Heather Watson as the defending champion bowed out of the Hobart International in the quarter-finals.

Having successfully got past Monica Niculescu after returning to finish her rain-affected match against Monica Niculescu, she could not get past Sweden's Johanna Larsson in a match which started just before midnight.

The Briton won the first set 6-3 but ran out of steam to lose the next two sets 6-4 6-4.

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